Looking for ways to make money recycling? Recycling is great for the planet and it can also be a way to make some extra income. Many things, like aluminum cans and old books, can be sold for cash if you know where and how to recycle them. Some places pay you for recycling because they…
Looking for ways to make money recycling?
Recycling is great for the planet and it can also be a way to make some extra income. Many things, like aluminum cans and old books, can be sold for cash if you know where and how to recycle them.
Some places pay you for recycling because they still have use for the items.
There are also recycling centers, which sell these materials to make new products. It’s a win-win: they save money on raw materials, and you get paid for your recyclables.
Plus, recycling can be an easy way to earn money without needing a lot of money to start.
11 Best Ways To Make Money Recycling
Looking to make extra money from your unused items and trash? Here are 11 easy ways to make money recycling.
1. Make money recycling aluminum cans
Recycling aluminum cans can be a way to earn extra cash. Did you know that aluminum cans are one of the most recyclable items?
You can start by gathering cans from home, or you could set up a system to collect them from friends, family, and neighbors. Don’t forget to look around your workplace – or local businesses – they might be happy to give you their cans too!
Once you’ve got a good number of cans, store them safely until you’re ready to cash them in. The more cans you collect, the more money you can make.
In many places, you can bring your collected cans to a recycling center, and they will pay you by the pound. Prices can vary, but you can usually make around $0.35 to $0.50 per pound of aluminum cans. The exact amount you’ll earn depends on the current market price of aluminum and your local recycling center rates.
2. Make money recycling paper and cardboard
You might be surprised to find out that your old newspapers, magazines, and even those boxes from your online shopping can actually be worth money.
You will want to call your local recycling center to see if they pay for paper. If they do, then you will want to gather all the paper you don’t need anymore. This includes your newspapers, junk mail, and used school papers.
Cardboard (such as the boxes from your online shopping orders) can be recycled too. Places like BoxCycle make it easy. They connect you with people who want to buy used boxes.
Recycling centers may pay for your cardboard boxes as well, but they typically want a lot of weight – a ton or more.
Note: There’s another common household item that people sometimes pay for as well – toilet paper rolls! These can be great for crafts and can be sold on sites like eBay and Etsy.
3. Make money recycling plastic
Recycling plastic has become a popular way to earn extra cash while being good to the environment. You’re probably using plastic every day, and it turns out that recycling can put money back in your wallet.
You can start by gathering plastic bottles from your home, friends, or community. The more you collect, the more you can earn.
If your state has a bottle bill (there are around 10 states with this), you’re in luck! You can take your plastic bottles to a local redemption center and earn a few cents per bottle.
Not all places pay for recycling, so you’ll have to find a center that does. They might have special rules on how to prepare your bottles, like rinsing them or removing labels.
Once you’ve collected enough, take your clean and sorted plastic bottles to the recycling center. They will weigh your load and pay you based on the weight.
4. Make money recycling metal
Recycling metal is a way you can make some extra cash.
To get started, you’ll have to sort your metals into different types. There are two main kinds:
Ferrous metals contain iron or steel. They are usually less valuable.
Nonferrous metals do not have iron. These include aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel. They’re usually worth more money.
Metal can be old appliances, car parts that have metals, copper parts, and more.
Once you have a collection, take it to your local scrapyard, but remember:
Prices fluctuate, so check the current rates for metals like steel, aluminum, and others.
Clean your metals. Remove any nonmetal parts. Clean aluminum cans and crush them.
Separate your metals for the best deal. Mixed metals may get you lower prices.
5. Make money recycling glass and bottles
Recycling glass bottles and jars is a way to make extra money.
You can start making money recycling glass and bottles by gathering what you have as well as asking your friends and neighbors for theirs.
Then, you will want to contact different recycling centers to see how much they will pay. It is typically around $0.02 to $0.15 per bottle.
6. Make money recycling electronics
Recycling electronics (also known as e-waste) can be a great way to make extra money. You can sell things like your old cell phones, tablets, laptops, video games, and more.
I have personally sold my old electronics many times, such as an old laptop (I actually just did this last month!) as well as old cell phones.
Companies like Decluttr and Gazelle make selling your old electronics (like an old phone) very easy. They’ll give you a price for your device online, and if you agree, you can send it in for cash.
Also, online stores like Amazon and Apple have trade-in options too. They take your old gadgets and give you gift cards in return.
Recommended reading: 12 Best Places To Sell Video Games
7. Make money recycling wine corks
Recycling wine corks can be a fun way to make a bit of extra cash. If you love wine and have been throwing away your corks, you might be missing out!
To make money recycling wine corks, you will want to look for a cork recycling program in your area. Some companies collect natural wine corks to make eco-friendly products. Check with local wineries or recycling centers to see if they have any programs going on as well.
Once you’ve gathered a bunch, check with the recycling program on how to send your corks. They might want you to drop them off, or you can ship them. Sometimes, they even provide free shipping labels!
You may also be able to sell them online, such as Etsy or eBay.
I did a quick search on Etsy, and there are a lot of wine corks for sale on this platform, with many reviews. So, there must be a decent amount of buyers!
I personally know a few people who have done projects with wine corks and have paid for them too.
8. Make money recycling cooking oil
Recycling used cooking oil is a creative way to make some extra cash. Many companies out there will pay you for your old oil because they can turn it into cool things like biodiesel fuel.
To get started with this, you’ll have to find a local recycler. You can look for companies near you that pick up used cooking oil.
Then, you’ll want to find a way to save your used oil in a container instead of throwing it away. Once you have enough, take it to the recycling center.
Some places that buy cooking oil include:
Biofuel companies – They turn the oil into fuel for cars and buses.
Soap makers – Some folks use the oil to make soaps and other cleaning items.
Lubricant manufacturers – Your old oil can be made into lubricants for machines.
I have a family member who would use oil in their old car instead of fuel, so there are definitely uses!
9. Make money recycling old books
I have sold a lot of books over the years, mainly textbooks.
Websites like eBay, Decluttr, AbeBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sell Back Your Book, and Half Price Books have an easy way to sell books. All you need is the barcode or ISBN number from your book, and you’ll get a price quote.
Some local bookstores or online platforms have buyback programs. They’ll give you money or store credit in exchange for your old books.
If you have a bunch of books, you can also just have a yard sale. You most likely won’t earn as much money for each book, but you can sell a lot at once and all from the comfort of your home.
Recommended reading: 17 Best Places To Sell Used Books For Cash
10. Make money recycling ink cartridges
Cartridges, which have never been refilled, can make you money.
You may be able to sell them at:
Online marketplaces – Sites like eBay are great for selling ink cartridges.
Recycling programs – Some manufacturers have programs to buy back used cartridges.
Office supply stores – Stores may offer store credit for your cartridges.
Your old ink cartridge may earn you between $0.12 and $0.60 each.
11. Make money recycling car batteries
Recycling car batteries can be a simple way for you to earn some extra cash. Many auto part shops and recycling centers will pay you for bringing in old batteries.
Shops like Advance Auto Parts or AutoZone may pay you around $10 per car battery.
So, if you are switching out your car battery, you may be able to trade it in for store credit.
Where To Sell Recyclables
As you read above, there are many different things that you can recycle and make money from. With some of the items above, you are recycling them to a recycling plant or major company. For others, you may be simply selling them to another person so that it does not go to waste.
Below, I will be talking a little more about each option.
Local recycling centers
Local recycling centers near you are the best places to turn in items like aluminum cans and glass bottles. Most centers pay you cash based on weight, so the more you collect, the more money you make.
Online marketplaces
You may be able to sell bulk or unique recyclables on online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Websites like BoxCycle also buy used boxes.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Selling Apps For Selling Stuff Online And Locally
Companies
If you have specific kinds of waste, you may be able to search for companies that will take them. For example, Amazon Trade-In and Decluttr are both great for electronics. Auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone accept used car batteries and motor oil, and they might give you store credit or gift cards for your items. Office stores like Staples and Office Depot may accept your old ink cartridges too.
Note: If a place doesn’t pay you to recycle an item, I still recommend recycling as it’s so good for the planet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make money recycling.
What is the most profitable recycling?
The most profitable recycling items are usually materials like aluminum, copper, and certain types of plastics due to their high demand and recycling efficiency. Aluminum cans are particularly profitable because they’re easy to collect and recycle.
How can recycling make you money?
You can make money by collecting and selling recyclable materials to local scrapyards or recycling centers. Many centers pay by weight for items such as paper, metal, and plastic containers. Also, you might find companies that pay for items like electronics or ink cartridges.
How profitable is waste recycling?
The amount of money that you can make recycling depends on a lot of factors like the type of material, market demand, and the volume you’re able to collect. While it’s not likely to replace a full-time job, recycling waste may be able to earn you some extra money.
How to make money recycling plastic bottles?
To make money recycling plastic bottles, you can collect them in large quantities and bring them to a recycling facility that pays for plastics. Some states have a bottle deposit program where you receive a set amount for each bottle returned, usually between 5 and 15 cents. Some states that pay include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
How many plastic bottles do you need to make $1000?
The amount you’ll need depends on the rate you’re getting paid per bottle. If your state’s bottle deposit pays 10 cents per bottle, you’d need to collect 10,000 bottles to make $1,000. That’s a lot of bottles, as you can see.
How To Make Money Recycling
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money recycling.
You might already recycle scrap metal, cardboard boxes, plastic, and more at home, but did you know you can make money from it? You can start a small recycling business and find out which items can be sold for extra cash.
By learning the basics of recycling for profit and finding the most valuable items, you could start a moneymaking and eco-friendly project stopping things from cluttering landfills.
So, before you throw anything in the garbage, I highly recommend throwing things in your recycling bin instead.
Maui is a popular Hawaiian vacation destination for a reason. The island boasts beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, welcoming locals and a rich culture to learn about and experience during your trip. But it’s also a very expensive island to visit, with hotel rooms averaging more than $550 per night before taxes and fees in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from Hawaii Tourism Authority.
If you’re looking to book a Maui vacation without breaking your budget, below we dive into the best hotel on Maui to book with points, including the best hotels on Maui for families and for guests looking for a luxury stay.
Hyatt’s best hotels in Maui
Hyatt has a relatively small footprint on Maui, with only four hotels on the island: the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hana-Maui Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, and the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach. Still, these are great options to use Hyatt points.
Best overall Hyatt hotel on Maui: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
On 15 acres of beachfront in Wailea, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a beautifully designed luxury property.
The hotel features five pools (including an adult tranquility pool for guests 18 and older), a spa and four on-site restaurants. Be sure to check out the Feast at Mōkapu Lu’au, an oceanfront luau that takes place at the hotel on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights.
Rooms at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort start at 35,000 Hyatt points per night.
Best Hyatt hotel for families: Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach
For families visiting Maui and looking to use Hyatt points, the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach is your best bet. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach has a number of family-friendly options, including a children’s area of the pool, a small in-hotel market where you can shop for snacks and sandwiches, and rooms with full kitchens.
Rooms at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach start at 25,000 Hyatt points per night.
Cards for Hyatt points and perks
World of Hyatt Credit Card
on Chase’s website
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn rates
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 in your top three spend categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024, then your top two categories each quarter.
• 2 points per $1 on fitness club and gym memberships.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Benefits
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn five elite night credits when you get the card, and two additional elite night credits for every $5,000 spent.
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn up to a $100 Hyatt statement credit on your cardmember anniversary.
• World of Hyatt Discoverist status.
• Earn a rebate of 10% of points (up to 200,000 points) redeemed after reaching $50,000 in annual spend.
• Earn five elite night credits for every $10,000 spent.
Learn more
Marriott’s best hotels in Maui
Marriott has the largest hotel footprint on Maui, with 10 hotels throughout the island. Given all the options, here’s which Marriott Maui property to stay at if you’re booking with points.
Best Marriott hotel in Maui: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali
Located beachfront on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali is a great hotel for couples, families and even solo travelers.
While you could easily spend your entire stay on the property (taking advantage of the pool, spa, restaurants and beach right in front of the hotel), the hotel is right next to Whalers Village, an outdoor shopping mall that includes local shops and restaurants, including Monkeypod, Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach.
Rooms at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali start at 64,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for a luxury experience: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a 54-acre resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean with amenities that include two 18-hole championship golf courses, six distinctive restaurants and a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at 84,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for families: The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
For family trips on Marriott points, check out The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North.
All rooms at this hotel feature either a full kitchen or kitchenette, which can come in handy if you have hungry kids who just need a quick snack (or if you’d like to save money from dining out). The hotel also offers one- and two-bedroom villas, which can be a great option for families that would like a bit more space and privacy.
The hotel has a separate children’s pool and a cultural center for families wanting to learn more about local traditions and history.
Rooms at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North start at 70,000 points per night.
Cards for Marriott points and perks
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status, plus path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
• 1,000 points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott Bonvoy at participating properties. Terms apply.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.
• Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.
• Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
• Terms apply.
Learn more
Hilton’s best hotels in Maui
Similar to Hyatt, Hilton also has a small footprint on Maui with only four hotels (although Hilton is opening a fifth hotel in June 2025).
If you’re looking to book a Hilton hotel with points on Maui, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort has the honor of not only being the best overall hotel to book on Maui with points, but also being the best luxury hotel and family hotel.
Best overall Hilton points on Maui: Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a massive property, sitting on 40 acres with 844 rooms (of which 57 are suites and 50 are villas) that range in size from 640 square feet to 1,300 square feet. The hotel is perhaps best known for its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which is actually a collection of nine pools spanning 25,700 square feet that are connected by waterslides and a lazy river.
The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is enough to make the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort the best resort for families (and arguably the best hotel for families on the entire island of Maui).
Not only does the pool feature a lazy river and waterslides connecting the nine pools mentioned earlier, but it also features a Tarzan pool with rope swing, six waterfalls, caves, a sand “baby” beach and a swim-up bar for parents who need some time away from the kids. If you or your kids are more adventurous, you can enjoy the Lava Tube Slide, a three-story waterslide with 360-degree turns where you can reach speeds as fast as 22 miles per hour.
The hotel also offers a Grand Passport for kids. During check-in, children are given a passport that maps and lists all educational and cultural activities on the island to keep them engaged during their stay.
After a day at the pool, be sure to make reservations for dinner at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the hotel’s signature beachfront restaurant that specializes in seafood.
Rooms at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort start at 110,000 Hilton points per night.
While Hilton does have another luxury option on Maui, Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea, rooms at that hotel will set you back around 574,000 points per night. Given that you can stay at the Grand Wailea for 110,000 points per night, the Grand Wailea wins as the best Hilton points hotel on Maui for a luxury experience.
Cards for Hilton points and perks
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024. Terms apply.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5. Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked American Express Travel.
• 1.5 points per $1 in key business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2,000,000 in purchases per year).
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
Terms apply.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• Potential free nights. Earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year and a second when you spend an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year ($60,000 total).
• Airport lounge access. Ten complimentary Priority Pass visits each year. Enrollment is required.
Terms apply.
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Hundreds of dollars a year in credits for travel, shopping and entertainment. These include up to $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, up to $240 for digital entertainment from select providers, and up to $200 a year for Uber. Enrollment required. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
• Get 35% of your Membership Rewards points back when you redeem points for an eligible first or business class flight on any airline, or a flight in any cabin of travel on an airline you choose (up to 500,000 points per year).
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Up to $1,000 a year in credits for various business expenses and travel. These include $400 a year for U.S. Dell purchases, $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, $120 for a U.S. wireless credit, and more. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
Learn more
Final thoughts on the best hotels on Maui to book with points
Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton all have great options for guests looking to stay at a hotel on Maui using points. Some of our favorite points properties on Maui include the Hyatt’s Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Marriott’s The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali and Hilton’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Many people experience regret when they receive gifts they don’t like.
It is important to avoid this by giving and receiving the right type of gift for someone. Some items that make for great gifts are subscriptions to magazines, concert or theater tickets, video games, movies, and books.
Other ideas include checking off bucket list adventures!
Experience gifts are the best gifts.
Many times after gifts are opened, you might be feeling a little disappointed in what you bought for others. You spent time and money, but now they are just left with a mountain of gifts that won’t be put to use. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back and plenty of ideas!
How can you avoid gift regret? Well, there are many different options to explore to find the perfect present.
In this post, we will cover unique experience gift ideas for her, families, kids, and everyone in between.
What are Experience Gift Ideas?
Experience gifts are a type of gift that gives the recipient an experience as opposed to tangible goods.
For example, you could buy someone tickets for their favorite band or sports team and they will get to go to an event and have a great time.
This type of gift will not expire, so if the person does not want it or use it right away they can still enjoy it later on!
Honestly, these are gift ideas that would love to do yourself!
Give the gift of experience by giving a membership to an activity, a day pass for activities like yoga or rock climbing. You can also give someone a voucher to take a class like cooking or painting.
There are so many options! We will go further in detail below.
Why Buying Experiences is Better than Physical Gifts?
If you still have gift cards on the table, it might be time to think about what your loved one really wants. “What is important for people are experiences that create memories,” says Harvard business professor Michael Norton.
A study by the Journal of Consumer Research found that for experiences, people felt more satisfied and happy with what they had received than material gifts like clothes or jewelry.
One way to make a gift even more special is to take the recipient with you when you go shopping.
Some people might feel bad when they get a gift they don’t like, but it is ok. For your next gift to someone you love, try getting them something different – like an experience gift!
Many people looking for a no gift Christmas look for experiences instead.
Ultimate List of Life Experience Gift Ideas
A lot of people experience gift regret when they receive a gift that is not their style or something that has no use. This can be frustrating because the person who gave you the present did their best to find what they thought you would enjoy.
That is why we have the best experience gift ideas all in one place!
There are many experience gift ideas on this list of the best experience gift ideas.
-A trip to your favorite theme park.
-An evening of bowling and dinner with friends.
-A night at a sleepover party for girls only.
– The list goes on and on with so many fabulous ideas!
Many of these on the list are outdoor experience gift ideas!
The best gift ideas are the ones that they will love and cherish for years. With these many great experience gift ideas, you will be sure to find the perfect gift for any occasion.
Who says a birthday is just another day? It’s a special time, and it deserves something extra-special as a present.
These types of gifts are perfect for the frugal green person who cares about saving money and being eco-friendly.
Experience Gifts for Everyone
If you are looking for a gift that will be remembered, look no further.
We have rounded up the best gifts to give someone who is hard to buy for or just wants something different than a gift card.
This may seem like it’s too good of a present, but if you know the person well, it’s a gift that will not go to waste.
Weekend Getaway: If you are looking to gift someone with a gift that is guaranteed to not go unused, give them an unforgettable experience. Find the perfect hotel today.
Language Courses: Learning a new language is always a great idea! This is something that can be done in your own time and space. Start your journey to bi-lingual.
Bowling: Has it been a while since you went bowling? Time to lace up those bowling shoes for a night out at the lanes. Can you roll a strike?
Dinner Out (or Dinner In): Everyone loves a break from cooking. Find the local trendy restaurant or pick of their favorites. Either or, it is the company that makes the difference!
Night Out with Friends: This is always a great gift idea! There are so many different things you can do for a night out.
Monthly Subscriptions: Monthly subscriptions are a fun gift that can either be an ongoing thing like Netflix or HBO, or something for the month that includes their hobbies.
Fitness Classes: At home or on the go! There are plenty of options for a healthier lifestyle. You can find new, exciting fitness workouts anywhere!
Groupon Deal of the Day: Let the popular app find all of the ideas that are hot in their area. Plus save a buck or two for the saver in you! Find Groupon Deals.
White Water Rafting Expedition: If you are looking for an adventure, white water rafting is the perfect gift. With the best company and scenery, it will be a day that they’ll never forget!
Ziplining Tour: SOme of my best memories are from a ziplining tour. Make sure to zipline in a breath-taking place to soak in the scenery around you. For a bigger adrenaline rush, zipline through a cliff.
Hotel Gift Card: Don’t have the perfect gift idea? Give them a night out on you! Buy them a hotel gift card to spend when they are ready.
Book Club: Books make great gifts because there’s never anything like it in someone else’s collection, and you can find one that’s appropriate for their reading level. Double bonus: when you meet for drinks to re-hash the books.
Baked Goods: Give a friend or family member something to bake, like cookies or bread. It’ll make them feel happy and proud of themselves, and you’ll get to enjoy the results. Even better… pass along the recipe and ingredients for them to recreate themselves.
Gift Cards: For the person who has everything, give them an experience they can buy with their gift card. Give someone $30 to spend at a local art store and they’ll be grateful for the experience.
Cash: Cash is king. Let the people who love buy their own presents. This is especially a great gift for a frugal person.
A Donation: Don’t want to spend any money? Consider donating in someone’s name; they’ll appreciate it more than anything else.
It’s the time of year to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.
Hopefully one of these life experience gift ideas is appealing to yoU!
Experience Gift Ideas for Kids
Kids and families will appreciate a wide array of gifts!
It is hard to shop for gifts for kids who have everything, so hopefully, this list gave you some ideas.
This gift list includes out-of-the-box ideas to help minimize the clutter most families deal with as well as much-loved gifts.
Art Class: Art supplies and a session with an instructor, designed to create your own masterpieces. Plus the best part is you do not have to clean up the mess!
Archery: This sport is always on the list of “coolest things to do.” Learn archery, improve your technique and have a chance to participate in competitions.
Sports Lessons: Get some new skills and have a ton of fun while improving their athletic ability.
Backpacks & Sports Bags: Kids need to keep their stuff organized! This could be a camelpak for their next hike or just a travel bag for their next trip. Find ideas!
Subscription Boxes: Looking for something to come in the mail? Get a monthly box of goodies that you will be excited to open. Find the perfect subscription box.
Music Lessons: Become the next pop star with lessons in piano, guitar, or violin.
Tool Kit: This includes everything you need to fix things around your house and will teach skills that last a lifetime. This is great for the teenager or young adult.
Sleepover Party – Time for giggles and fun! Find sleepover party supplies here!
Art Supplies: Every craft station needs to be refilled for hours more of fun!
Ice Cream: You scream, we scream, we all scream for ice cream! Always a sweet treat and there are so many places that make your experience a delicious time!
Any of these kids experience gift ideas are winners for them! Check out this post for the best kids gifts under $10. Made by kids for kids.
Experience Gift Ideas for Family
A family’s experience with a gift is more important than the amount of money spent on it. If you’re looking for some new ideas, try any of these ideas.
Plus you buy one gift for the whole family!
Try any of these experience gift ideas for families!
Family Dinner Night Out: For many families, it is too costly to take the whole family out to dinner. Find a restaurant that is known for creating an experience the family will never forget.
Family Game Night: Stock the game closet! These are great gifts when the kids grow up because their interest changes and ability level improves. Drop ship a gift basket for family game night.
Family Green Space Improvement Projects: Such as a backyard garden or a small vegetable plot or even flower pots. Provide the seed money and let the family flourish together.
Paintball Package: For those who love to participate in outdoor activities, a paintball package is a lot of fun and a big adrenaline rush.
Helicopter Tour: This is a great gift for kids who love to learn about the world! This is an experience they will never forget.
Trip to Local Theme Park: What better way to have fun than to visit your favorite theme park with friends or family?
Family Movie Night: Purchase a gift subscription to the popular streaming services. Disney+ is perfect for kids. Put together a snack bucket with popcorn and everyone’s favorite beverages.
Sporting Event: Buy a t-shirt or jersey of their favorite team and surprise the little sports fan with an evening at the live game!
Camping Trip: Glamping is allowed, too! It is about disconnecting from the devices and having in-person interactions. Plus the wild will always surprise you!
Age Specific Weekend Getaway: When your child (or grandchild) is a certain age, take them on a trip. During this one-on-one time, you can have plenty of experiences and memories to share. Popular ages to do this would be nine years old, twelve years old, and fifteen years old.
Experience Gift Ideas for Couples
This section provides ideas for gifts that are best suited for couples.
Cooking Class: Couples who enjoy cooking together will enjoy a cooking class. Even if they need to learn to cook, this will be an extremely useful gift!
Online Course: Pick a topic; any topic! There are thousands of online classes to explore together to learn a new skill, find a new hobby, or enhance your skills. This is a course I did with my husband.
Adventure Ticket: Think like a tourist! This gift idea can be local to your area. What is the one thing this couple hasn’t experienced in their area?
Hot Air Ballooning: Don’t worry if you are afraid of heights, being in a hot air balloon is like floating across the water. It is a romantic and unforgettable experience to share.
Rent a Boat: Yeah, a boat. If you have the time and money to rent a boat for what will be an extended period of time, this is going to make one heck of a memorable gift.
Tickets to a Comedy Show: Laughing is the best medicine, and what better way to get a laugh than at a comedy show.
Adventure Ticket: Think like a kid- get them a ticket to go do something adventurous.
Couples Therapy: You could be treading a very fine line here. However, learning how to be a better spouse is always a great idea. Just make sure you have solid referrals.
Date Night: Who doesn’t enjoy a date night? Cover the cost of a babysitter and give them money for the restaurant.
A Day at the Movies and Lunch: Sounds picture-perfect, right?
Encourage their Passion: If you know what the couple’s passions are, give them money to go and pursue it. For example, if they’re musicians or artists then buy a guitar for them or a sketchbook.
Golf Lessons: These are an experienced-based gift that will allow them to enjoy a hobby together.
Music Lessons: Music is a universal love and they can learn how to play the guitar, harmonica or drums. Time spent together is harmony.
Plan for the future: Get them a certificate to receive daycare in case they need it at some point in their lives. Or get them a gift card from Costco to help with all the baby items they will need.
Experience Gift Ideas for Her:
Some experience-based gifts you can give a woman on her birthday or Christmas. Ladies love to be pampered (hint, hint)!
Spa Treatments: These include manicures, pedicures, and facials. They are a relatively inexpensive gift that she is sure to love!
Massages: A massage will make her feel like a new woman and she will love the way it feels.
A Day at the Spa: This is the most luxurious of them all. Instead of just one or two spa treatments. Add in foot soaks and of course, the more intense ones like a mud treatment or body wrap can really clean you up. The lady of your life gets pampered for a half-day or full day.
Time for Herself: Quiet zen time away from the needs in her life. This could be an hour of quiet or a full day.
Luxury Hotel Stay: Sometimes, you need a luxurious night of sleep without children waking you up.
Tickets to an Event: This could be for the theater, concert, or art grand opening. If you know your lady well, you will know what her passion is and can find the perfect ticket to match.
Night Out on the Town: This date includes dinner and a show.
Surprise Dinner from Her Favorite Restaurant: Sometimes, it is the little things in life that make the best gifts.
Yoga or Pilates Classes: Some people find that these classes relieve their stress. Plus improve your flexibility at the same time.
These are some of my favorite gift ideas.
Experience Gift Ideas for Him:
I think most guys prefer experiences over being lavished with gifts.
Also, let’s be honest… Men are 95% more likely to go out and buy exactly what they need and not wait for a holiday to come around.
Give him an experience day and he will be talking about it for years to come.
These are gift ideas for men who have everything!
Skydiving: Can you imagine? The adrenaline rush of jumping out of a plane and free-falling at 120 miles per hour. It’s an experience that he won’t soon forget.
Rock Climbing: He’ll get to experience the adrenaline rush of climbing up a cliff, navigating over obstacles, and getting to the top.
Horseback Riding: It’s not just for girls! Horseback riding is a great outdoor activity that he can do with his friends.
Throwing 1st Pitch at Baseball Game: It doesn’t matter their age. This is a dream for all ages!! The trickier part is how to make this experience gift idea happen.
Snowboarding: He’ll get to experience the adrenaline rush of snowboarding and enjoy learning a new skill set. Just hope he make it down the mountain in one piece.
A Day at the Spa: A man may not think this is a gift, but if he needs to be reminded of how good it feels to take care of himself then I say go for it.
Renting a Sports Car: This is a rite of passage for every man to drive a sports car.
Day at the Race Track: Specifically to be able to drive the cars; not just watch the professionals drive. Many of the race tracks offer amateurs a chance to feel the exhilaration of 100 mph.
Charter Fishing Trip: The best way to spend a weekend. Ask any guy and the story will be bigger than the fish they caught!
More than anything that is considered living on the edge is the perfect experience for him!
Best Experiences Gift Guide
This guide will help you come up with gift ideas for loved ones.
It won’t help with cleaning baseboards, but it will help you find gift ideas that they will appreciate. It is always good to say I appreciate you!
When it comes to buying a gift for someone who is a bit harder to buy for, consider giving them an experience that they would not otherwise be able to do.
Art & Entertainment-themed:
If you are looking for an experience gift, look no further than the arts.
Tickets to a Play: If you are looking to give a gift that will last for an extended period of time, consider gifting someone with the experience of attending one event at their favorite venue.
Tickets to a Concert: These will not go to waste and can be used anytime within their validity period. Time to jam away to the tunes.
Museum Membership: Consider gifting someone with a membership to an art gallery or museum. Also, many museums have reciprocal benefits and can be used in other cities when traveling.
Food & Drink Themed:
A great gift idea for any occasion is to give food or drinks. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or just because you want to show someone how much they mean to you, food themed gifts are a great way to show you care.
Cooking Classes: This is a great idea for the foodie or non-foodie! Everything tastes better and is more fun when you do not have to clean up afterward.
Wine Tour: This gift is perfect for the wine enthusiast. Wine tasting, learning about viticulture, and enjoying tastings of different wines are all part of this gift.
Brewery/distillery tours: For the craft beer or liquor enthusiast, this is a great gift. Learn how different beers and liquors are made while enjoying tastings of them.
Culinary school: This is for the foodie and non-foodie alike. Whether you love to cook or never touch the stove, culinary school is a great gift for anyone who wants to learn more about their craft.
Things to Do Themed:
Experiences are perfect for friends and family. They make the recipient feel like they got to do something fun or interesting (even if it’s just sitting in a room with snacks).
It’s also a great way to make someone feel like they’re worth more than the value of whatever you spent on them.
Time to get moving with these things to do gift idea list!
Zoo Membership: A membership to your local zoo is a great way to enjoy (and learn about) the animals that live in our world.
Movie Tickets: Movie tickets are always a good idea, and it’s a great way to enjoy something together.
Pool Membership: Pool memberships are a great way to enjoy the summer. It’s also good for people who don’t like hot weather since they can cool off in the water.
Waterpark Passes: Water parks are a great way to have fun in the sun.
Membership at a Museum: Memberships to museums are an opportunity for people who love art, history, or science.
National Park Pass: Passes to national parks are a great way to enjoy nature.
Botanical Gardens: Botanical gardens are a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature indoors and outdoors.
Professional Photography Shoot: Professional photography shoots are a great way to have professional pictures. Get dressed up and smile!
Art Class: Art classes are a fun way to learn about art and express your creativity. Even better, when you do them as a group!
Related Posts:
Learn Something New Themed:
If you are looking for a gift idea that will not go to waste, consider learning something new.
There is an abundance of courses and workshops available in all sorts of subjects!
Find a new hobby or hone your skills.
Crafting Classes: Have you been to your local craft store? There are hundreds of types of crafts to choose from. Some ideas include: knitting, sewing, painting, beadwork, jewelry making, woodworking, etc. Find crafting ideas here.
Language Classes: It is best to learn a new language through immersion. But, the recipient may be hesitant and want to know a few words in the new language before setting out on that experience. Start your journey to bi-lingual.
Subscription Boxes: THere are hundreds of subscription box ideas. Just pick one to match their personality. Plus a new box comes on a recurring basis.
Tennis Lessons: This gift idea was well received in our house. We bought new tennis rackets and a backpack along with a package of lessons. Plus it is a lifelong skill to be able to play.
Photography Workshops: Happy; excited; nervous! Time to learn photography from a new lens. You will proud of your new skills.
Instrument Lessons: Time to get in tune with your inner self. Every had a dream to play a musical instrument? I have; it is the drums. What would your gift recipient want?
Horseback Riding: Buckle up and get ready to ride. This could be a one-time adventure or a package for riding lessons.
Dance Lessons: You will not regret it. Well, you might later. This is a must for any engaged couple. That couple’s dance is waiting for your dance skills!
Equipment Needed for Passions:
Regardless of your hobby or passion, it comes with some type of cost. It is difficult if you do not have the equipment needed to enjoy time doing something you enjoy.
This is one of the greatest gifts you can give!
The equipment will fund the experiences that this person craves to have. Or replace worn out items.
More than likely, you won’t know what exactly to get. So, ask for a wish list or their favorite place to buy equipment. Cash or gift cards are extremely beneficial.
Camping Gear: Once you own the equipment, this is a cheap activity to participate in. However, there are upfront costs of collecting all of the gear.
Sewing Machine: If you know someone who sews or is interested in sewing, this gift will go a long way. Sewing machines range from $200-500 and it’s usually worth the purchase if they enjoy sewing. My mother-in-law purchased mine!
Climbing Gear: If they are an avid climber, this is a great gift. Like camping gear, it has upfront costs of investing in the equipment to get started.
Photography Equipment: Photography equipment is expensive upfront, but it can be used for years to come. This is a great idea for someone who enjoys taking pictures.
Telescope: Telescopes are expensive, but it’s a lifetime investment. This is perfect for a starry-eye person who enjoys looking at the stars.
Fly Fishing Equipment: Fly fishing equipment is expensive but lasts a long time. This can be used by an avid fly fisher for years to come.
Road Cycling or Mountain Biking: Road cycling or Mountain biking equipment is expensive but lasts a lifetime. This can be used by avid cyclists for years to come.
Sports Gear: This could be for golf, tennis, soccer, or any sport! What is the equipment needed, so they can enjoy time playing.
Scuba / Snorkeling Gear: Scuba or snorkeling gear is expensive, but it’s worth the investment. This could be used by an avid scuba diver for years to come.
It can be hard to find a good gift for someone that has everything. When you find yourself in this position, there are many things to think about when purchasing a present. One thing you’ll want to do is consider the hobbies of the person you are buying for.
At Home or Virtual Experience Gift Ideas:
A virtual experience can be an eye-opening experience. It is like you are there, but not really there. Instead of going to a museum or getting info about whales from a book; you can get the same information from a virtual experience.
Online Cooking Classes: Cooking is a great way to get out of the kitchen. You can learn techniques or just try new recipes. Find classes today.
Online Wine Tasting: Yes, all of the wine is delivered to your door. Lead by a wine sommelier on the varieties and what to expect during each skip.
Workout Experiences: Start your fitness journey in the comfort of your own home. There are many options available for workouts that can be done from just about anywhere with the equipment you already have at home!
Airbnb Online Experiences: If you miss traveling, then you are able to travel to some of your favorite locations. While it may not be the same, you can start planning your trip for another time!
Online Classes: This is an idea for anyone who has a passion they want to explore. There are thousands of courses on almost any topic you can think of. With this, there is no need to go to school to find your passion, you can do it right from home.
Board Games: Brush off the games or pick out a new board game. No one will get tired of playing their favorite.
Themed Experiences: If you are looking for a unique experience for someone, then think about planning it around their favorite thing.
How do I Give an Experience as a Gift?
Gifting an experience is a great way to give someone an unforgettable gift.
With experiences, you can choose the location, the type of experience, and what your budget can afford.
You can also choose whether you want the experience to be for someone specific or publicly available. The fun part is you can get creative on how to wrap it like money gift ideas!
How to Wrap up the Experience as a Gift:
Buy something that represents part of the gift.
Create a gift certificate.
Handwrite a lovely letter explaining the gift experience.
Wrap up a huge box with a tiny note.
There are plenty of ways to wrap up a gift experience. Just follow your personality to choose the best way to gift wrap it!
Which Experience Gift Ideas Will You Use?
Many people who are not satisfied with their gifts during the holidays end up feeling regretful. This holiday season, there are plenty of options to choose from that will be used for years to come
The idea of giving someone a gift can be overwhelming.
We are bombarded with deals and deals, but in the end, it is just another thing that will eventually clutter up our homes.
There is a better way.
Gifts that encourage experiences over material things do not go to waste and can create memories for a lifetime. They also require less thought, which these days are a good thing.
You can find plenty of life gift experiences for:
Father’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother-Daughter
Grandparents
Parents
Girlfriend / Boyfriend
Wedding
Husband / Wife
Birthday
Graduation
Christmas
It’s time to think outside the box and give someone an experience they won’t soon forget!
If I do buy something, I focus on purchasing consumable gifts that will be used up.
Seriously, think about what do I want for Christmas or any other occasion…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
In 2007, IHG decided to give the Holiday Inn brand a makeover, elevating its standards to a level that the customer of today wants. It is spending more than $1 billion to invest in the product, which includes overhauling every single Holiday Inn around the world — a process that is still ongoing.
The result aims to make the Holiday Inn brand appeal to a new generation of travelers, with special attention given to creating a more uniform experience across both new and existing properties.
The Holiday Inn dates back to 1952 and started as a pioneer in hotel services, offering new conveniences like free parking, free stays for children, swimming pools, and extra amenities like cribs and telephones. Today, these are all expected perks, so how can the new Holiday Inn stand out from the pack?
How to know if a Holiday Inn is renovated to new standards
If you’re staying in a renovated hotel with the new Holiday Inn experience, you can expect more open spaces, new open restaurant and bar concepts, adaptable meeting space and more modern accommodations.
The new open lobby combines the restaurant, bar and hotel concierge with more coworking space to create a lounge environment where people can gather outside of their room.
These updates are in line with what other hotels in the midscale/mid-tier, full-service category are doing.
Features in the new-concept guest rooms include:
A welcome nook with space for keys, a hook for coats and a charging port. The brand describes this as what many people may have in their own home’s entryway.
Moveable desks and the ability to work with a laptop or other device in many areas of the room rather than just at a single desk.
Upgraded bedding.
Blackout shades.
Upgraded shower facilities.
True to its origins, kids 11 and under still eat free in Holiday Inn restaurants, assuming an accompanying adult pays for a meal.
According to IHG, 50% of its hotels in the U.S. will be renovated by 2025 — with its first new-build prototype opening early next year as well.
In Europe, the majority of Holiday Inn hotels have completed the new open-lobby renovations. Another new amenity for European Holiday Inn hotels is a to-go coffee station, featuring Starbucks.
Push aside any previous thoughts you had about the brand. IHG’s efforts are meant to upgrade the brand to be full-service offerings that cater to a variety of travelers, not just families, roadside overnights or business travelers. While Holiday Inns may not be the most expensive in each destination, they are not meant to be a budget offering.
5 redesigned Holiday Inns worth a visit
1. Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino now offers guests three pools, whirlpools, a spa, five restaurants and bars (including one on the beach), and a casino.
With nearly 600 rooms directly on Palm Beach, this property has been welcoming guests. It is one of 45 open Holiday Inn Resorts and nearly three dozen Holiday Inn Vacation Club properties around the world.
2. Holiday Inn Singapore Little India
In one of the city’s heritage districts, this 20-story hotel benefits from recent renovations and showcases the new open-plan lobby lounge design.
Business travelers appreciate its convenience to the Central Business District while leisure travelers will enjoy the pool and easy walking distance to dining and shops, many with Indian heritage.
3. Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de Lyon Bastille
This Holiday Inn could not be more Parisian with its belle époque facade (“beautiful age”), fitting right into the neighborhood.
It showcases the latest brand design with renovated guest rooms and an open-plan lobby. Want to get around the city by metro?
As its name suggests, the Gare de Lyon train station, a major hub for metro and express trains (RER), is just a short walk from the front door.
4. Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre
The Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre is well-positioned for touristic pursuits around Northern Ireland’s capital city. The property is close to public transportation options as well as the city’s entertainment and shopping districts.
Fans of “Game of Thrones” and Titanic history can earn IHG One Rewards points while visiting top attractions.
5. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Just one mile from Walt Disney World Resort, this renovated resort has pools, whirlpools, an arcade, a splash pad and poolside activities like dive-in movies and ping pong.
Like other Holiday Inns around the world, kids eat free when their parents order a meal, which can be a budget-friendly move when paying for expensive theme park tickets.
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Includes automatic Silver Elite status.
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With elite status, you can earn bonus points during your stay (the number increases as your status moves up the chain) as well as other perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
Holiday Inn is not the same brand you may remember
With a $1 billion brand refresh that is making its way to Holiday Inns around the world, guests will find new lobby and guest room concepts, plus more food and beverage options than before.
As IHG repositions the brand to focus on full-service at a mid-tier price point, guests stand to benefit from the changes.
HELSINKI, Finland — Those interested in home décor are shopping lots of outlets, including second-hand stores and even picking up street finds to furnish their homes.
A survey of 5,500 respondents associated with the real-life design simulation game Redecor found that about one-fourth of them find the majority of their home décor and furniture from second-hand outlets such as Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace and Upcycled. This number was highest among Gen X (26%) and lowest among Gen Z (19%).
While more than one-fourth (28%) buy from traditional channels such as brick-and-mortar chain and retail stores, they also explore other options, including family, friends and street finds (20%); online stores (11%); and local boutique shops (7%).
Nearly half (46%) put cost ahead of aesthetics (18%) as the most important element to think about when designing a home. Other considerations were sustainability (7%), comfort (15%) and family/lifestyle needs (14%).
Despite the low percentage who would make sustainability the most important on the list, most said sustainability has been a factor in a home décor decision, with 73% of Gen Z saying it has vs. 62% of Millennials.
One intriguing finding from the survey was that 50% of all respondents agreed they would consider living in a “tiny home,” which the survey defined as a standalone, fully contained dwelling of 100 square feet to 400 square feet, and another 26% answered “maybe.”
More than half of Gen X (53%) and nearly half of Baby Boomers (48%) were on board with this small-space living idea, which could signal a new approach to what “downsizing” really means.
Most respondents (46%) considered themselves minimalist decorators vs. 21% who opted for the “maximalist” label.
Looking at recent décor trends, 18% of respondents considered the use of fake plants “the cringiest,” followed by blobby furniture and word art/quote signs (9%); cluttercore (8%); and peel-and-stick wallpaper and bean bag chairs (7%).
Other cringeworthy decorating faux pas mentioned were couch covers, nautical motifs, wicker furniture, monochrome, white appliances and mason jars.
The Redecor survey of 5,500 respondents included 70% from the United States and 16% from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and South America. Nearly all (95%) of respondents were female.
The average for a 30-year fixed-mortgage is 7.17% today, up 0.14% compared to one week ago. The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is 6.62%, which is an increase of 0.20% from the same time last week. For a look at mortgage rate movement, see the chart below.
Because inflation data hasn’t been improving, the Federal Reserve has been delaying rate cuts. Though mortgage rates could still go down later in the year, housing market predictions change regularly in response to economic data, geopolitical events and more.
Today’s average mortgage rates
Today’s average mortgage rates on Jun. 04, 2024, compared with one week ago. We use rate data collected by Bankrate as reported by lenders across the US.
When mortgage rates start to fall, be ready to take advantage. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing multiple offers to get the lowest rate. Enter your information here to get a custom quote from one of CNET’s partner lenders.
About these rates: Like CNET, Bankrate is owned by Red Ventures. This tool features partner rates from lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates.
Which mortgage term and type should I pick?
Each mortgage has a loan term, or payment schedule. The most common mortgage terms are 15 and 30 years, although 10-, 20- and 40-year mortgages also exist. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is set for the duration of the loan, offering stability. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate is only fixed for a certain amount of time (commonly five, seven or 10 years), after which the rate adjusts annually based on the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are a better option if you plan to live in a home in the long term, but adjustable-rate mortgages may offer lower interest rates upfront.
30-year fixed-rate mortgages
For a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate you’ll pay is 7.17% today. A 30-year fixed mortgage is the most common loan term. It will often have a higher interest rate than a 15-year mortgage, but you’ll have a lower monthly payment.
15-year fixed-rate mortgages
Today, the average rate for a 15-year, fixed mortgage is 6.62%. Though you’ll have a bigger monthly payment than a 30-year fixed mortgage, a 15-year loan usually comes with a lower interest rate, allowing you to pay less interest in the long run and pay off your mortgage sooner.
5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages
A 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage has an average rate of 6.34% today. You’ll typically get a lower introductory interest rate with a 5/1 ARM in the first five years of the mortgage. But you could pay more after that period, depending on how the rate adjusts annually. If you plan to sell or refinance your house within five years, an ARM could be a good option.
Are mortgage rates considered high right now?
Over the last few years, high inflation and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes pushed up mortgage rates from their record lows around the pandemic. Since last summer, the Fed has consistently kept the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%. Though the central bank doesn’t directly set the rates for mortgages, a high federal funds rate makes borrowing more expensive, including for home loans.
Mortgage rates change daily, but average rates have been moving between 6.5% and 7.5% since late last fall. Today’s homebuyers have less room in their budget to afford the cost of a home due to elevated mortgage rates and steep home prices. Limited housing inventory and low wage growth are also contributing to the affordability crisis and keeping mortgage demand down.
Will mortgage rates go down this year?
Most housing market experts predict rates will end the year between 6% and 6.5%. Ultimately, a more affordable mortgage market will depend on how quickly the Fed begins cutting interest rates. The central bank could start lowering interest rates in the fall, but it will depend on how the economy fares in the coming months.
Mortgage rates fluctuate for many reasons: supply, demand, inflation, monetary policy, jobs data and market expectations. Homebuyers won’t see lower rates overnight, and it’s unlikely there will ever be a return to the 2-3% mortgage rates we saw between 2000 and early 2022.
“We are expecting mortgage rates to fall to around 6.5% by the end of this year, but there’s still a lot of volatility I think we might see,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin.
Every month brings a new set of inflation and labor data that can influence the direction of mortgage rates, said Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation. “Ongoing inflation deceleration, a slowing economy and even geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, data that signals upside risk to inflation may result in higher rates,” Kushi said.
Here’s a look at where some major housing authorities expect average mortgage rates to land.
Calculate your monthly mortgage payment
Getting a mortgage should always depend on your financial situation and long-term goals. The most important thing is to make a budget and try to stay within your means. CNET’s mortgage calculator below can help homebuyers prepare for monthly mortgage payments.
What are some tips for finding the best mortgage rates?
Though mortgage rates and home prices are high, the housing market won’t be unaffordable forever. It’s always a good time to save for a down payment and improve your credit score to help you secure a competitive mortgage rate when the time is right.
Save for a bigger down payment: Though a 20% down payment isn’t required, a larger upfront payment means taking out a smaller mortgage, which will help you save in interest.
Boost your credit score: You can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a 620 credit score, but a higher score of at least 740 will get you better rates.
Pay off debt: Experts recommend a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less to help you qualify for the best rates. Not carrying other debt will put you in a better position to handle your monthly payments.
Research loans and assistance: Government-sponsored loans have more flexible borrowing requirements than conventional loans. Some government-sponsored or private programs can also help with your down payment and closing costs.
Shop around for lenders: Researching and comparing multiple loan offers from different lenders can help you secure the lowest mortgage rate for your situation.
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“What’s the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of how you can improve your financial situation?”
Many people would say “spend less money.”
One way to do this is by buying something used. In fact, a study found that Americans buy 10% more new items than they did in 2008 because we have so many promotional offers available. Not only should you be trying to save some money on your purchases, but also cut all kinds of other expenses from your lifestyle and keep them at a minimum.
Usually, people spend more money than they need.
This can lead them to have less money saved or be able to afford the things they want.
However, with a few simple changes in your spending habits, you will be able to make more of what you earn and feel more satisfied.
In today’s world, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information available on how you should spend your money.
With more and more people struggling with their finances, I would like to share a few hacks that have helped me spend money wisely and simplify my life.
Also, I am going to include some simple money saving tips on how to spend less money! Do not get duped into buying things you did not plan on purchasing or spending more money than you needed to.
How to Spend Money Wisely
As you can see shortly, there are many ways to spend money wisely. Whether it be through saving, investing, or taking care of your health; with this article as a guide, you won’t have to worry about your money any longer.
This is meant to inspire people on how they can better manage their finances and live more efficiently, while still being able to get the things that they want.
Spending money wisely is a way of life, but it can be tough to know where exactly you should start.
Luckily for you, we will break down ten hacks for you to follow so that your money does not go to waste.
1. Pay Yourself First
You are probably wondering, why is saving money about how to spend money.
The first thing you should do to spend money wisely is to pay yourself first.
This could be saving for the future with an emergency fund, which can be used in case of emergencies or downturns in your financial situation. This can be done by contributing to a high-interest savings account and saving up to $1,000 or more for emergencies.
Or choose one of our money saving challenges to match your financial goals.
2. Take Care of You
You need to take care of your health, as that will improve the quality and longevity of your life.
Making wise choices on choosing quality food and healthcare may cost more money upfront, but in the long run, it will save you money on huge medical expenses.
You spend your money wisely by taking care of your health. Money spent on a gym membership, healthy food, and other medical expenses can save you even more money in the long run.
Many people love the idea of time freedom for this reason.
3. Invest in Your Future
One way to spend money wisely is by investing in your future. This might be done through a 401(k) or Roth IRA, which lets you invest pre-tax dollars and then withdraw them tax-free once you retire.
This can be a great way to save on taxes, but the money needs to stay invested for at least five years before you’re able to withdraw it without a penalty.
4. Choose Experiences
We live in a society that prizes material purchases and spending. Remember to prioritize experiences by getting outside. Not just for your health, but also on the mental and emotional levels, as well as the personal and even family levels.
Also, a plethora of benefits to spending money on experiences, not all materialism related.
Try to spend less on electronics and materialistic items that fill your home and more on experiences like travel or going out with friends.
This is a great way to spend time with your family and friends instead of buying things for them.
Related Reading: Overcome Gift Regret: Experience Gift Ideas That Do Not Go To Waste
5. Set Goals
Many of us, regardless of financial status, know that if we want to live on the right path without having our finances stress us out, then there are good habits to be followed.
Think about how much money you want to make in the next five years or ten years and make up how to get there.
Now, you need to line up your spending to make that happen.
Not sure how to set goals? Start here with making smart financial goals.
6. Budget
The next hack is to make a budget and stick to it, which will help you spend your money wisely by only spending what you have available in each category.
A budgeting strategy helps you develop better financial skills. These strategies are practiced in order to help prevent overspending and create a set spending plan for you.
Create a budget that includes all your expenses and then each time you get paid, put a little bit of your paycheck into each category.
7. Evaluate Your Spending
Oftentimes, we find ourselves buying items that are not necessary and just a waste of money. This hack is to evaluate what you’re spending your money on and think about whether or not you want to continue this habit.
For every purchase ask yourself if the item is worth it and what will happen if you don’t buy it.
By completing a no spend challenge, you will be amazed at the things you find out are not worth spending the money on.
8. Likeminded People
Next, you should try to spend less time with people who are going to make you feel bad about yourself.
This is a hard one but just think of the good things that will happen when you stop hanging out with people who make you feel bad.
If you are constantly around people you need to learn how to not spend money, then you will be battling upstream battle. Look for those who have the same mindset and are determined to spend money wisely.
9. Spend on Quality Over Quantity
The best way to buy quality items is to spend more money on them. Buying cheaper items has its risks, but over time it will lead to dissatisfaction with the product and waste of money.
If possible try to spend money on things that will last a long time and not just stuff like food or rent.
This concept of quality of quantity is not difficult to understand. For example, instead of owning 10 pairs of jeans that you think you need, you spend money on the two pairs of quality jeans that you love.
Because items are so cheap to pick up, it is easy to quickly fill our homes with quantity and excess stuff (plus we are spending more in the process). Instead, spend a little more and buy less of what you truly need or want.
10. Eat at Home
One way to save money is by cooking more at home and not going out to eat. You can also cut down on the amount of food you purchase, which will help you save a ton of money in the long run.
Instead of buying food that will go bad quickly or ruin your health, buy more expensive food. This way you are spending less money on the product but it is going to last longer and be better for you.
By spending money wisely, you must learn how to spend less money on food.
11. Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Specifically, I am talking about FSA or HSA, or dependent care FSA. This is when you set aside money each year for these purposes. Money goes into these accounts tax-free, so you are lowering your taxable income.
On how to spend FSA money, you must have the proper documentation on your plan. The same is true for how to spend HSA money.
The limits change each year on how much you can contribute to each of these plans, but the maximum you can spend tax-free is over $20,000 for a family.
This is a great trick to spend money wisely and lower the amount you owe in taxes. Just make sure to spend the amounts in the FSA each year!
12. Spend on things that add happiness to life
Personally, I have a hard time spending money. Period. This is something I am working on as we progress through our financial journey. Now, I look to spend money on ways that will improve our life or bring smiles to our faces.
Spend on things that add happiness to your life.
For example, if you’re happy with the new shoes you’ve just bought, then it’s worth spending money on them! If you love to travel, spend on travel. If you like reading fiction novels, spend on fiction novels.
Spend your money on things you enjoy and make the most of the disposable income you have.
How to Spend Money to Make Money
One of the best ways to make money is to give back. However, it takes some money to make money, which is typically frustrating to those who constantly want to make more money per year.
By selling a product or service, you are supplying them with your knowledge, advice, and understanding. Another way is through investments. Investing, while not always profitable, has companies that adhere to companies of all kinds.
One of the best ways to spend money wisely is to invest in ways to make money.
There are plenty of ways to make money and start your own business.
Here is a great book to open you up to the idea of starting your own business and the freedom with money it can bring.
Here are great ways to make money on the side:
It is possible to make more money on your business than you make more money in your current job or career.
How to Spend Less Money
Many of us spend too much on material items that are not actively used. This creates a situation where we have to make more purchases in order to get the same level of happiness.
The first step towards becoming frugal is deciding what you want out of your possessions, and then only buying those things which will provide you with this goal.
Here are 32 easy ways to do that!
Shop at Discount Stores: You don’t have to go all out with your shopping if you’re looking for a way to save some money. There are plenty of stores that offer great deals and you can still find some really cute clothes.
Find Online Deals: You can find deals online for just about anything. This is a great way to get the deals that you might not know about. There are so many websites out there dedicated to helping you find the best deals and coupons.
Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill: Just because the cell phone companies want to charge an arm and a leg for service doesn’t mean you have to. There are plenty of options out there where you can find great deals on your cell phone bill without having to break the bank.
Call and Cancel Unnecessary Services: Do you really need to subscribe to cable? How about getting rid of your gym membership because you know that all the exercise won’t do anything for your weight. The truth is you don’t need a lot of these things that are costing you money. Also, try a free service like Trim or Billshark.
Buy Generic Items: Do your shopping at the grocery store and buy generic items instead of brand names for most of your purchases.
Buy in Bulk: Buy items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and other things in bulk to save on the cost of each individual item. This is more so for families who can buy food in bulk.
Start Couponing: This is a great way to save money. I know it’s not the most enticing offer, but if you’re looking to save money then coupons can be your best friend. You can go online and find coupons for items that are on sale at your favorite store or you can get them in the Sunday paper.
Use Public Transportation: This is a great way to save on gas and wear and tear on your car.
Get Rid of the Car: If you live in an urban area, it might be worth getting rid of the car and using public transportation or just walking instead. Or become a single-car family.
Carpooling: One of the biggest hacks that many people are unaware of is carpooling- which can save up to $1,000 per year.
Rent Things: Whether it is a video, movie, or power tools to complete a project, renting will save you money.
Use Less Electricity: Turning off lights and other electronics when they are not in use can really help!
Eat Spaghetti: Eating pasta saves money and reduces your grocery bill.
Use the Library: If you like to read, the library might be another alternative to buying books.
Borrow Books: Borrowing books from the library or your friends is a great way to read for free!
Use Online Promo Codes: Using promo codes or coupon codes on all of your online purchases will make a huge difference. Here is a great place to find promo codes and get money back on your purchases.
Eat Out Less Often: Eating out less can save money!
Eat Less Meat: Eating less meat will save on your grocery bill! There are so many wonderful delish meals made with beans!
Buy Used: If you must buy something but don’t want to spend much, consider buying used versions of the items you need. Buying used products will save money and help the environment.
Share with Friends: Sharing your belongings, like clothes or toys, can save you money.
Ask for Help: When someone offers to help you do something it’s only polite to take them up on it.
Find Used Clothing: Buying clothing used can save you a lot of money and help the environment!
Downsize Your Hobby: It’s important to live within your means. If you have an expensive hobby it may be time to scale back on the expense or find a cheaper one.
Need vs Want: Try not to spend money on things that are “needed” but not “wanted.”
Avoid Impulse Spending: Try to plan before you buy anything- think about what you need, the price of items, and if it is worth buying.
Plan Free Activities: Plan outings with friends and family, rather than going to the movies or restaurants alone.
Plan For Expensive Times: Give your friends a heads up before you go out on an expensive outing so they know it’s coming. They may be able to help cover the cost or provide a cheaper alternative. This will help everyone’s budget.
Do Your Research: Research all of your options before you make any purchase- this will allow you to get the best bang for your buck and find the best deals.
Bartering: If you must buy something, but you don’t want to spend much money on it-consider bartering with someone or buying used items instead of new ones (e.g., clothes, furniture).
Know-How You Spend Money: Keep a budget to track your spending and be aware of how much money you have left at the end of the day or week so you can plan accordingly.
Negotiate on Price: If you plan to buy something, don’t tell the retailer how much money you have until after they give their price- this can help save money and time by eliminating any final price negotiations.
Think Before You Spend: Put some thought into your purchases before you make them- this will help you make sure you really want to spend money.
How Much Money Should you Spend?
There is a lot of conflicting information on how much money should be allocated to needs vs. wants, but this takes into account what percentage of take-home pay should be spent on necessities.
Here is the Cents Plan Formula we Use at Money Bliss:
50% to Basic Expenses
20% to Savings
10% to Giving
20% to Fun Spending
0% to Debt
So, the average person should spend 50% of their take-home pay towards needs. That means you must spend your money wisely.
Keep a list of what you spend and how much it cost.
You should have some idea of how much money you are able to spend on what. This will help you decide whether it is worth buying a thing or not before purchasing it.
Use the list to see where you can make adjustments, for example spending more time with your family or finding fun things to do with no money.
Ready to Start Spending Money Wisely?
Spending money wisely can seem complicated at times.
The key to using money wisely is understanding how you spend your cash. Spending tends to happen automatically, which can lead people down the path of overspending and debt if not monitored closely.
The affordability of happiness and satisfaction depends intensely on the money we have.
The activities we could do, and expenses we could cut out, can be often atrocious and insufficient for our expectations.
Extreme dissatisfaction and the whole time earning less than we would desire, we may feel that we need to know how to spend money wisely.
The vital hacks elaborated in this post will help to understand caring for a budget, and changing our habits to spend more wisely.
When spending money wisely, people should be aware of their habits so they can change them in order to save more and spend less on things that do not bring happiness or benefit the person’s life.
If you want to save money, spend it on something that will make your life better or more enjoyable.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Looking for the best seasonal jobs? Seasonal jobs are a great way to make extra money without having to work full-time all year. These jobs are perfect if you’re wanting to work part of the year, if you’re looking to make a part-time income, or if you want to try something a little more adventurous….
Looking for the best seasonal jobs?
Seasonal jobs are a great way to make extra money without having to work full-time all year. These jobs are perfect if you’re wanting to work part of the year, if you’re looking to make a part-time income, or if you want to try something a little more adventurous.
Depending on what you like and what you’re good at, there are many different jobs that can help you earn a good paycheck.
Plus, I know many, many people who work seasonal jobs and make a full-time income, so the money can be great as well.
17 Best Seasonal Jobs
Below are the best seasonal jobs.
1. Camp counselor
One of the most popular seasonal jobs is being a camp counselor. This can include working at a daytime summer camp or even a week- or months-long summer camp.
This seasonal job revolves around creating a safe and enjoyable environment for campers. This involves running different activities such as games, arts and crafts sessions, leading hikes, and sometimes sharing stories around the campfire.
Typically, camp counselor positions are seasonal and tend to be during the summer months and can be either full-time or part-time.
When it comes to qualifications, a love for the outdoors, being good with kids, and having a responsible and caring demeanor are important.
While the pay can vary, camp counselors many times make around $20 an hour.
This is one of the best seasonal jobs for college students because it typically happens when you are off from school, and it may come with housing!
Recommended reading: 29 Best Jobs In Nature To Make Money
2. UPS
If you want a dependable seasonal job, UPS is a popular option.
My husband actually used to work for UPS for many years (as did his brother and many of our friends), and it is a very popular job for many reasons, such as the great health benefits.
UPS has seasonal positions such as being a seasonal driver helper.
During the holiday season, UPS ramps up its workforce, hiring over 100,000 helpers to manage the gift-giving rush. Positions such as driver helper are always needed and you can expect to earn around $20 per hour.
In terms of the work schedule, expect to work 20 to 30 hours per week. Driver helpers are only hired in October, November, and December.
Recommended reading: 15 Part Time Jobs With Health Insurance
3. Tour guide
Becoming a seasonal tour guide could be a way for you to combine work with your love for travel and adventure. It’s a job where you can share your passion with others while exploring new places.
Tour guiding is a job for anyone who loves talking to people and telling stories. You could guide visitors through a busy city, lead nature adventures, show art and history at museums, or organize trips for groups. There’s a tour guide job to match your interests and skills. To do well, you need to know a lot about the place you’re guiding in and have good communication skills.
Regarding earnings, tour guide pay varies widely. On average, hourly wages range from about $15 to $25, with specialized roles potentially earning up to $30 per hour.
4. Gift wrapper
Gift wrapping is a good winter seasonal job, especially if you are good at wrapping gifts!
Working as a gift wrapper during the holiday season is a great way to make extra money. Many stores hire seasonal gift wrappers to help shoppers. Your job would be to wrap presents quickly and nicely.
Gift wrappers usually earn between $14 and $24 an hour, which can help with your holiday budget. One of the best parts is that you don’t need any experience. Many employers will train you on the job to improve your wrapping skills.
You can check out local malls or stores for seasonal jobs. These opportunities are often advertised at larger shopping centers.
5. Raft guide
If you love the outdoors and adventure, becoming a raft guide could be an exciting and rewarding seasonal job. As a raft guide, you’ll guide customers through the river.
This is an outdoors job that typically happens during the summer and fall, so it is a seasonal job that could be a lot of fun in places like Colorado, California, Utah, Oregon, and West Virginia.
You can find seasonal raft guide jobs by contacting raft companies in popular locations to check for job postings. You can also use social media to join groups and follow pages about outdoor jobs, and networking with current and former guides can give you valuable job leads.
6. Retail sales associate
If you want a job that fits around your life and only lasts for a short time, becoming a retail sales associate might be perfect for you. Many stores hire retail associates for seasonal work. This could also be for full-time or part-time jobs.
As a retail sales associate, your job would be to provide customer service and keep the store running smoothly, such as by checking out customers at the cash register.
There are many stores that hire for seasonal cashier jobs, such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, Michaels, and more.
Plus, you can typically get a discount when working at a store too! I used to work as a retail sales associate and while customer service can be hard, I also made some great friends and had a good time.
7. Landscaping worker
If you enjoy being outdoors and want to make good money during the warmer months, you can become a landscaping worker. These jobs usually come up in the spring and summer when grass, trees, and flowers grow quickly.
Taking care of lawns is a big part of the job, such as mowing grass, trimming edges, and using fertilizers or pesticides to keep lawns looking nice.
Landscaping jobs usually pay between $15 and $25 per hour, and this can vary based on where you work and how much experience you have.
8. Fireworks stand worker
Running a fireworks stand can be a great way to make extra money, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July.
When I was younger, I had many friends who had summer jobs working at fireworks stands, and while the work was hard (long days in the heat!), they did seem to like it.
Your job at the fireworks stand is important but simple. You’ll sell fireworks to customers, keep the stand looking nice, and handle transactions while keeping track of sales.
9. Ski instructor
If you love snow and want to share that love with others, becoming a ski instructor could be a great winter job for you, as ski resorts are typically open from around November through April.
One thing that many people don’t realize is that you don’t need to be an Olympic skier to become a ski instructor – this is something that you can learn how to teach. I’m not saying that it isn’t hard, though, as this is still hard work!
Ski instructors teach people how to ski and they work outside on the slopes, spending their days teaching beginners and helping more experienced skiers get better.
Your pay as a ski instructor depends on where you work and how much experience you have. New instructors might start at around $18 to $25 an hour. Certified instructors can earn more, sometimes up to $50 an hour or more.
You can look for ski instructor jobs by checking the websites of ski resorts, where they often post job openings. You can also attend outdoor job fairs, especially those focused on winter sports, to meet ski resort representatives and learn about job openings. Plus, networking with current and former ski instructors through social media, forums, and industry events can also be helpful.
10. Tax preparer
If you’re good with numbers and like helping others, being a tax preparer could be a good seasonal job for you during tax season!
Tax preparers help people complete their tax forms. Many companies need extra help from January to April, during the tax filing season.
You don’t have to go to formal school to become a tax preparer, but having the right education and training can help. Many tax preparers start by taking courses or getting certifications in tax preparation from community colleges, trade schools, or online platforms.
Sometimes, this can be remote work too. I actually have my tax return filed remotely each year and have never met my accountant in person, so I personally know that this is real!
11. Bartender
If you want to earn some extra money, seasonal bartender jobs could be perfect for you. These jobs are really popular during the summer and holidays when there are lots of parties and events happening.
Becoming a bartender usually involves a mix of hands-on experience and knowledge. While formal training like bartending courses can help, many bartenders start by working entry-level jobs like barbacks or servers. This lets them learn important skills like making drinks, handling money, and talking to customers.
12. Lifeguard
A job as a lifeguard could be your perfect pick for a summer job. This is one of the top seasonal jobs for teenagers and young adults in the summer.
Lifeguards are really important for keeping swimmers safe at pools or beaches. They watch swimmers carefully to stop accidents and help quickly if someone’s in trouble. Lifeguards are trained to save lives, helping right away and doing rescue techniques if needed. They also know how to give first aid to people who get hurt while swimming.
Lifeguard jobs can pay well, with some jobs paying around $20 per hour as employees for pools and beaches.
13. 1-800-Flowers
If you want to earn extra cash, especially during the holidays, you might want to check out job opportunities with 1-800-Flowers. This well-known company sells flowers and gift baskets.
At 1-800-Flowers, there’s a big need for extra people during busy times like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. You can find seasonal job roles such as:
Gift assembly – Put together lovely gift baskets
Distribution – Pack and send off products
Production – Get the items ready to look nice
14. Fly-fishing guide
A fly-fishing guide can be a year-round job or seasonal, depending on how you approach it.
I know some fly-fishing guides who are guides year-round, where they live in one place (such as in Florida or the Bahamas), and some who travel for 6 months to one fly-fishing area and then spend 6 months in another area. I also know some fly-fishing guides who only guide during the summer months, such as up in Alaska (and they do a different line of work the rest of the year).
So, there are many ways to make this job work for you!
Fly-fishing guides teach people how to fly-fish, share tips on fishing tactics, help with fishing gear, and more.
15. Sports referee
A sports referee can be a seasonal job, and you can choose the sport you want to ref (typically, you’d pick the one you know best or know a lot about). This could be sports like soccer, baseball, and football.
You can find jobs by checking with local recreation centers or job listings in your area.
Referees typically make around $20 to $50 per hour.
16. Parking lot attendant
Some parking lots are open year-round, and others are open only during big events, such as for summer concerts or a sporting event.
Parking lot attendants help cars find spots, take payments, and handle issues.
17. WWOOFer (unpaid but free food and stay)
WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It connects people with organic farms all over the world.
With WWOOF, volunteers can pick a place and country to visit and work on a farm. You can stay for a few days or several months, based on what you and the farm agree on.
In exchange for food and a place to stay, you need to work 4 to 6 hours a day on the farm.
So, WWOOFers do not get paid actual cash, but I did still want to mention this in this article because I know that many people are looking for seasonal jobs with housing.
You might be asked to cut wood, pack items, feed animals, make food, plant seeds, make compost, help with the garden, and do other helpful tasks for the farmer.
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find seasonal jobs.
What seasonal job pays the most?
The seasonal jobs that pay the most include working as a helper (at UPS), tour guide, raft guide, fly-fishing guide, ski instructor, and bartender. Also, any job where you can get paid in tips tends to pay high.
What are some seasonal jobs with housing?
Seasonal jobs that may include housing include working as a campground worker (such as at a national park or RV park), a camp counselor, and a WWOOFer. Also, certain seasonal gigs like fly-fishing or raft guiding may come with housing as well, such as in places where housing is hard to come by or is very expensive.
What are the best seasonal jobs for college students?
The best seasonal jobs for college students include retail sales associate, camp counselor, and parking lot attendant.
What are the best seasonal jobs in winter?
The best seasonal jobs in the winter include a driver helper for UPS, working on a Christmas tree farm, and becoming a gift wrapper.
Best Seasonal Jobs – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best seasonal jobs.
Many seasonal jobs not only pay you but also give you unique experiences. You could be a camp counselor and spend time outside with kids, or work as a ski instructor and ski every day. If you’d rather work inside, you could be a sales associate in a store or wrap gifts during the holidays. Other jobs, like tax preparer or fireworks stand operator, are available at certain times of the year and can pay well too.
As you can see, there are many different seasonal jobs that may fit what you’re looking for.
The prospect of hosting a dinner party at my house filled my heart with panic. I had been wanting to update my dining room. Suddenly, I had an incentive — and a deadline.
The dinner party wasn’t my idea. A few months ago, a friend hatched a plan to auction off a dinner for eight at my house for an Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra fundraiser.
“You know how your column is At Home With Marni?” was how she framed it. “Well, this would let people actually be at home with Marni. Get it?”
Oh, I got it. If I’d known when I started writing a home design column what all I’d be getting myself into, I would have become a pet therapist. People assume I live up to my words! Before I agreed — and because no one should pay to eat my cooking — I called a chef I knew to see if he’d help. Chef Angelo Bersani generously agreed to donate his time to prepare and serve dinner, if I paid for the groceries. Done! Chef and I became a package deal on the auction block.
I live in the real world, so redecorating does not mean tossing all my furniture and starting over. It means working with what I have and making small refinements to get, ideally, big results. The trick, however, is knowing what those small moves are. So I called Los Angeles interior designer and long-time friend Christopher Grubb for help, asking if he’d call the shots while I did the legwork, which included shopping for materials, gathering samples and coordinating workers.
With a chef and a designer on board, I could feel my lungs fully expanding, my blood pressure dropping. Over the next eight weeks, we exchanged dozens of texts, photos and a few sobbing emojis, and made the following small refinements, which yielded big results, and just might do the same for a room or two in your home:
Added lampshades: Although I had replaced the dining room’s dated light fixture a few years ago, I had not “finished” the fixture off with chandelier shades, which Grubb advised. I test drove three shade styles, ordering one of each and returning the rejects, before settling on a black tapered shade. Because black shades direct light down, not out, they can make lighting more dramatic.
Filled in the art niche: Art niches in walls can be difficult to work with, as they limit the size of art you can hang in them. The niche in my dining room’s accent wall was 5-feet square and 3-inches deep. Until recently, a large tapestry hung over the niche and covered it. But, as part of my attempt to make the space more contemporary, I sold the tapestry and now had this, uhh, hole in the wall. “Art niches just make you ask why?” said Grubb, who recommended having a drywaller fill it in.
Put up wallpaper: To make the open room feel cozier and more intimate and to distinguish the alcove from the entryway, Grubb suggested covering the now smooth back wall and ceiling with sea-blue grasscloth, which added character and texture to the room.
Replaced mirrors: Although Grubb liked the idea of two mirrors flanking the art on the main wall, he suggested replacing the existing round ones with larger, vertical mirrors to make the room appear taller. Since we were moving toward a more transitional and less traditional look, we kept the frames simple.
Updated end chairs: Although our goal is to replace all the tapestry-covered dining chairs with more contemporary seating but keep the existing table, here we hit an impasse. I couldn’t find any chairs I liked that would also be available in time for my dinner party. Rather than compromise, I bought the chairs I wanted and accepted the fact that they wouldn’t arrive until September. Darn that supply chain. Meanwhile, I recovered the table’s two armchairs in a bold zebra-print fabric and painted the wood lacquer black. These chairs, which I wrote about a few weeks ago, are now fixtures in my living room, but for dinner parties they double as end chairs.
Added ambiance: With the new furnishings in place, all I needed to do was add the finishing touches — a fresh centerpiece of pale roses, patterned table linens, crystal and silver, candles and, of course, illustrious guests — to make the room come together like a symphony.
Marni Jameson is the author of seven books, including the recent “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow.” Contact her at [email protected]. Join her on May 23 for a free, virtual event, “Rightsize Your Life and Live Well Now.” Register at https://extras.mercurynews.com/events/.
Known for its contributions to aviation history and its robust industrial past, Dayton offers residents a blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, and a tight-knit community feel. However, as with any location, living in Dayton comes with both benefits and challenges. From its affordable cost of living and rich educational resources to its variable weather, it’s important to consider all aspects before deciding to call Dayton home. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of living in Dayton, providing you with a detailed perspective to help you determine if this city aligns with your lifestyle. Let’s get started.
Dayton at a Glance
Walk Score: 45 | Bike Score: 47
Median Sale Price: $130,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $830
Dayton neighborhoods | Houses for rent in Dayton | Apartments for rent in Dayton | Homes for sale in Dayton
Pro: Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in Dayton is 5% lower than the national average. Additionally, average housing prices are particularly affordable, with a variety of options ranging from historic homes to modern apartments. This affordability extends to other living expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to stretch their dollars further.
Con: Limited public transportation
One of the cons of living in Dayton is the limited public transportation options. The Greater Dayton RTA provides bus services, but the routes and schedules may not be as extensive or convenient as those in larger metropolitan areas. This can make commuting without a personal vehicle challenging, especially for those who rely on public transit for daily activities. Locals often find themselves needing to drive, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Pro: Rich aviation history
Dayton has deep-rooted aviation history, being the birthplace of the Wright brothers. The city is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. Visitors can explore a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts, including the Wright Flyer III. This rich heritage offers a unique cultural experience that aviation enthusiasts and history buffs will find fascinating.
Con: Air quality concerns
Dayton occasionally faces air quality issues, particularly during the summer months. Industrial activities and vehicle emissions contribute to higher levels of pollutants, which can affect residents’ health and outdoor activities. Those with respiratory conditions may find the air quality challenging, and it can detract from the overall quality of life in the city.
Pro: Strong educational institutions
Dayton is home to several reputable educational institutions, including the University of Dayton and Wright State University. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing education courses for lifelong learners. Additionally, the presence of these institutions fosters a strong academic environment, with numerous cultural and intellectual events open to the public.
Con: Harsh winters
Residents of Dayton experience harsh winters, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall. The winter weather can be challenging, particularly for those unaccustomed to dealing with icy roads and shoveling snow. The cold season can also lead to higher heating costs and potential disruptions in daily activities, making it a less appealing aspect of living in the city.
Pro: Thriving arts scene
Another pro of living in Dayton is its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. The Dayton Art Institute and the Schuster Performing Arts Center are prominent cultural landmarks that host a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical productions. This lively arts community provides residents with rich cultural experiences and opportunities to engage with the arts.
Con: Limited nightlife options
While Dayton has a variety of dining and entertainment options, its nightlife scene is relatively limited compared to larger cities. The city has a few bars, clubs, and live music venues, but the options may not be as diverse or plentiful. This can be a drawback for those who enjoy a bustling nightlife and seek a wide range of evening entertainment activities.
Pro: Abundant green spaces
Dayton offers an abundance of green spaces and parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Five Rivers MetroParks system includes over 16,000 acres of parks, rivers, and trails. Popular spots like the RiverScape MetroPark and the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark offer scenic views and activities such as kayaking, hiking, and picnicking, making it easy for locals to enjoy nature.
While Dayton has several shopping centers and local boutiques, the shopping options may be limited compared to larger cities. Locals may find themselves traveling to nearby cities like Cincinnati or Columbus for a wider variety of retail stores and specialty shops. This can be inconvenient for those who enjoy frequent shopping or seek specific brands and products.
Dayton is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents. The city hosts numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Dayton Celtic Festival and the Dayton Air Show. These events foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for residents to connect with one another, creating a welcoming and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.